Whittingham has been at the Bluebirds since arriving from Aston Villa back in 2007, and has signed a deal that will see him reach a decade long milestone with the club.

The 29-year-old has been a fan favourite in the Welsh capital for a number of years, and was always regarded as one of the strongest players competing in the Championship.

Last season saw Whittingham’s appearances reduced following signings such as Gary Medel, but he still made solid contributions when called upon in the Premier League. The club’s return to the second-tier will likely see the midfielder thrust back into the limelight as one of Cardiff’s key player’s.

Whittingham has scored 78 times in 330 appearances for the Bluebirds over the years, and his new deal ensures Cardiff now possess a host of Championship-tailored players to help get them back to the top-flight.

David Marshall, Gary Medel, Steven Caulker and Fraizer Campbell have all been tipped to leave the Cardiff City Stadium, with the latter three all thought to be in negotiations with either Premier League or European clubs.

Dan Connor

Dan is a sports journalism undergraduate from Barry, South Wales. He is a club journalist at West Bromwich Albion and a weekly writer for The Independent’s sport section. Previous work for BBC Sport, BBC Radio and Manchester United has seen Dan cover a range of sport such as rugby union, tennis and Formula One. His expertise lies in Welsh football, in particular with Cardiff and Swansea City.